Well here it is the 21st of July. I had an appointment with my psychiatrist last week and he said that I no longer HAVE to go to see him. He feels that not only have I recovered, but I am sustaining quite well on my own. We also discussed lowering or discontinuing my medication. My thought was that I have been on some form of anti-depressant for over 10 years, which tells me that my chemical imbalance is permanent. So why risk relapse if I am not suffering from side effects and it isn't harming my body? His experience is that most patients want to get off the medication, as though the medication determines that they have the illness....not the symptoms. My argument for that was 'Do people who have high blood pressure stop taking their medication once their blood pressure is lowered??' I realize that this is my choice and my feelings, and that not everyone looks at the situation the same. I just think this is the best approach for me. I am not ashamed of who I am, I am not suffering from side effects (like weight gain) with my current dosages, and all my blood work is fine so there is no liver/kidney strain etc and there is no financial worry.... so why risk it???? We may consider trying to lower my dosage in 6 months, but for now I am happy just as I am.
On another good note, my weight loss road is also coasting nicely down :) I am down another 3.5lbs this month along with some inches and 0.5% body fat. I am now 207lbs!! 7 more pounds and I will celebrate my first goal! I haven't made any further changes, other than I am not as hungry, so my meals are a bit smaller but I am not depriving myself in anyway. I want this change to stick so I don't have to worry about what I am eating for the rest of my life. So far I don't feel like I am dieting or exercising. I enjoy Curves and since it is only a short time each visit it isn't a chore!
Work is good. The new supervisor is great. I am still learning, growing and working hard all around. I am enjoying my job again.....so nice!
